It’s never too late to elevate your Christmas tree decorations – in fact, our latest obsession is delightfully nostalgic: pinecones as ornaments, inspired by Vanna White’s unforgettable 2000 Christmas tree.
Spotted at Merv Griffin’s 7th Annual Christmas Tree Lane Lighting Ceremony and Live Auction, the former Wheel of Fortune co-host styled her tree with effortless luxury. Think sweeping silk ribbons, soft golden lights, clusters of natural pinecones, and classic red-and-gold ornaments.
The result? A Christmas tree with a richly layered balance of metallic shimmer and woodland texture – glamorous yet grounded, and surprisingly simple to recreate. For those wanting a touch of sparkle, we’re eyeing Magnolia’s glitter-dusted pinecone ornaments, which feel festive without losing that organic charm. Pair them with a roll of gold ribbon from Amazon (yes, it’s under $10), and you’re halfway to a tree that feels both timeless and freshly inspired.
Below, we’ve curated all the pieces you need to channel Vanna’s elegant, natural-meets-opulent look this Christmas – pinecones included.
I adore the refined charm of these pinecone ornaments. Their gently sparkling edges catch the light beautifully, making them glow against a tree adorned with a delicate tangle of string lights. Sold in sets of six, these pinecones bring a touch of natural elegance to every branch.
This piece radiates a gentle white glow, complemented by a timeless gold finish. More than just a decoration for this Christmas, it’s an investment in elegance you’ll enjoy for many holiday seasons to come.
Vanna White’s tree glows with golden warmth – and the easiest way to channel her look is through ribbon. This one is perfect for shaping into full, luxurious bows, whether clustered among branches or placed at the tips for subtle sparkle. Prefer a softer statement? Wrap the ribbon around the tree in sweeping strands for an elegant, light-catching alternative to traditional string lights.
This ornament glimmers with gold beads and fine glitter, as though it were lifted from an enchanted winter woodland rather than a simple pine tree.
White, instead of colored, LED string lights – as we noted in our recent outdated Christmas trends report – are the designer-approved choice for a more sophisticated tree this year. These from West Elm are the perfect starting point.
This beautiful satin ribbon is the perfect addition to any Christmas tree. It can be tied into on-trend ribbons or arranged more casually in knots, draped over the branches.
'Even 25 years later, Vanna White's 2000 Christmas decorating ideas still stand out as a masterclass in balancing luxury with the beauty of the natural world,' says Megan Slack, Head of Celebrity Style at Homes & Gardens.
'The interplay of gleaming metallic ornaments, soft silk ribbons, and rustic pinecones feels both elevated and inviting – a perfect example of how considered layering and thoughtful details never lose their charm. It manages to fuse glamour with warmth and authenticity, creating a festive look that remains as inspiring today as it was then. And the best part? It's a style that's wonderfully easy to recreate in your own home this season.'
